Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods pay out £26.6 million since launch

5 May 2020

New figures have been published on Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods. In total, we paid £26.6 million to clients up to 31 March 2020. The full report can be accessed on the Scottish Government website.

The Best Start Grant includes three types of payment: Pregnancy and Baby Payment (applications taken from 10 December 2018), Early Learning Payment (applications taken from 29 April 2019) and School Age Payment (applications taken from 3 June 2019).

Best Start Foods is a payment that replaces the UK Government’s Healthy Start Vouchers in Scotland. Best Start Foods replaced Healthy Start Vouchers for new claims in Scotland from 12 August 2019. This was a phased roll out and we contacted people asking them to make the switch to Best Start Foods.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and older People Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“The response we have had to the Best Start Grant is exceptional.

“We have worked hard to create a simple application process and have engaged with health and childcare professionals to maximise take-up.

"We won’t be complacent – many families are turning to UK benefits for the first time due to the impact of Covid-19, and may now qualify for one of Social Security Scotland's payments.

"I would urge parents to check if they are eligible and apply online."